7 Arsenal midfield transfer targets to watch during international break

Boubakary Soumare – Lille & France Under-21

The case of Boubakary Soumare has gone cold in the last 12 months after a difficult period with Lille in Ligue 1.

After wrestling his way into the first team in the middle of the 2019/20 campaign, form took its toll and he lost his place in the side, eventually starting just 15 league matches all term. In the current campaign it’s been similar struggles for the midfield enforcer who is finding it tough to dislodge Xeka, Renato Sanches and Benjamin André in the engine room.

The volume of Premier League interest in Soumare provides a strong enough indication of public opinion, but he isn’t someone who will come in immediately and hit the ground running on these shores. His development has stagnated and plenty of nurturing will be required.

However, as someone who can break down opposition forays and recycle possession, those elements of his game are strong. He suits best in a 4-2-3-1 system, one that Lille have moved away from this term, as he’s an expressive passer of the ball, not afraid to attempt the tougher option even if it results in turnovers. Joe Willock is someone who follows that trend.

Without the ball is where he is strongest. He covers ground efficiently and recovers possession without the volume of fouls committed as you’d expect.

There is work to be done with Soumare, but at 22 years old and with bags of potential, a reported €20m fee is enticing.